Governor Herbert Releases Budget Proposal

State employees would receive a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment under Gov. Gary Herbert’s proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year.

The proposal, released December 7th, 2016 also includes funding for the projected 6.2 percent, or $13 million, increase for health insurance premiums, and to continue the $26 per pay period 401(k) match for state employees.

In addition to the COLA, Herbert proposes funding $3 million to target raises for specific types of state employees. The “hot spot” funding will target social workers, the criminal information technician job family, and other positions. Click hereto find the Governor’s proposed “hot spot” increases by agency.

Under the governor’s proposed budget the Department of Corrections would receive $5.8 million to create a new career ladder to address long-standing retention issues and other wage disparities.

Herbert’s budget proposal is a starting point for discussion when the 2017 Legislature convenes in January. UPEA will continue to develop ideas to incorporate additional pay and funding proposals for state employees into the budget lawmakers will approve, including a career-ladder system for all employees.